Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $67,043 in Texas — about 2% higher in Texas. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
None
+4.3 pp in Michigan
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$1,170
+21% in Texas
Median Home Value
$225,500
$264,900
+17% in Texas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$67,043
+2% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
67.2°F
+18.1°F in Texas
Michigan vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Texas?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 18% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Texas?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in Michigan/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.